GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Green Bay Packers training camp is providing a needed boost to tourism in the Green Bay area.
The “Railbirds” have returned to lining fences to catch early-season glimpses of the Packers. Terry Hanson and his family are just one of the roughly 90,000 fans that make it to Green Bay for training camp and family night.
“We just got down this afternoon, checked in, had a date here at 3 p.m. to do the tour and then come to practice in the morning,” said Hanson of New Richmond.
Hanson and his family, who were once locals, are now tourists. According to Discover Green Bay, visitors contribute $9 million to Green Bay’s tourism industry from the first day of training camp until family night.
“The crowds may be a little bit smaller, probably because of the whole COVID thing. But they have been great,” said Brad Toll, president and CEO of Discover Green Bay. “And we’re talking to people from literally all over the country, from Washington to Arkansas, New Jersey.”
Training camp is only the beginning of the industry boost during Packers season. With two preseason games, it will bring in just under $30 million. A normal game day brings $15 million.
And with the Packers and MVP Aaron Rodgers making headlines during the offseason, Toll says that could also bring in some visitors who may have not originally planned a trip.
“It does create kind of demand and interest in coming in. And especially now you know, where there’s some question about how long he’ll be with us how many more years, people that want to see him play in green and gold, Hey, come on in this year, and if he’s playing next year, come on back next year,” said Toll.
Toll says hotel occupancy has improved, with July hitting roughly 55% of rooms filled on average.
Family Night will take place this weekend on Saturday.
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